Game



Feb. 3. 1925.

J. F. MURPHY GAME Filed April 27, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet l w /ru /W 9 I .Z 5 3 n 1 OI oooooouaooouooooooooo QU oooonooaoooocoooacoooo Oooonuoloooboono 0J "in I I I I l l l I I I I I I I l l Feb. 3. 1925.

J. F. MURPHYv GAME 2 t e e h S s t o, m 2

3 6 n 5 Z m i 7 2 I' 1 l l 1 |VHWY .l r (um. CJLv Anm. .ws MM wrm WNW @D d "L A .,.VV 1 .1. .F l 5 v H 5 n Patented Feb. 3, 192.5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES F. MURPHY, OF MEDFOR-D, MASSACHUSETTS.

@man

Application led April 27, 1922. Serial No. 556,887.

ments in Games, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to games and has for its object the production of a device of this character with which a plurality of different games may be played.

The invention consists of an inclined board provided with a plurality of staggered pins through which metal balls are adapted to roll and be distributed over the board, finally entering pockets at the lower end of the board and making electrical contacts which will illuminate lamps at the top of the board and thereby illuminate certain figures or other characters displayed on a translucent member infront of said lamps.

The invention further consists in certa-in novel features of construction and arrange- V ment of parts which will be understood readily by reference to the description of the drawings and to the claimsto be hereinafter given.

For 'the purpose of illustrating the invention, one preferred form thereof is shown in' the drawings, this form having been found to give satisfactory and reliablevresults, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized, and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described, except as relquired by the scope of the appended claims.

Of the drawings:

Figure l'represents a plan of a board embodylng the principles of the present invention, before being placed in operative position.

Figure 2 represents a side elevation of the same in operative position.

Figure 3 represents an enlarged plan of one corner of the lower end of the board.

Figure 4 represents an enlarged section on line 4, 4 on Fig. 1.

Figure 5 represents an enlarged section 5, 5 on Fig. l' with the lamp box in operative position. Y

Figure 6 represents an enlarged sectional detail on line 6, 6 on Fig. 2.

Figure 7 represents an elevation of one of the translucent members removably momted in the front side of the lamp box, an

Figure 8 represents an elevation of the front side of the board showing the delivering device for the balls.

Similar characters indicate like parts throughout the several figures of the draw-` 1 In the drawings, 10 is a support having mounted thereon in an inclined position a game board 11, having side walls 12. Beneath the board 11 is a bottom 13 separated from the lower face of the board 11 and forming a compartment 14.

Hinged at 15 to the upper end of the game board 11 is a lamp box 16 having an electric switch 17 secured to one end thereof. This lamp box 16 has a partition 18 extending lengthwise thereof and extending forwardly from the partition 18 are other partitions 19 4and 20, forming a plurality of pigeon holes 2,1 in each of of which is dispo-sed a lamp 22 mounted in a socket 23 secured to the partition 18.

The lamps 22 arewconnected by awire 24 to the switch 17 another wire 25 extending from said switch along one side wall 12 of the board 11 :and1 connecting with a metal bar 26 secured to the inner face of a gate 27 hinged at 28 to the side'members 29,

which are hinged at 30 to the lower ends of the side walls 12 and normally form a continuation of said side walls.

These hinged members 29 are normally retained in alinement with the side walls 12 by means of a cleat 31 and removable thumb screws 32 extending through the opposite ends of said cleat into the hinged members 29. i

Extending upwardly from the lower end of the board 1l are a plurality of pins 33 forming pockets to receive metal balls 34 which are adapted to be rolled down over the surface of the board 11 in playing a game.

These pins 33 are parallel with the bar 26 and are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the balls 34.

Near the upper end of the board 11 is hinged at 35 a ball retaining cage 36 having an eye 37 at its lower end to which. is

adapted to be secured a 'exible member 38 by which the cage 36 may be moved about the axis of the hinges 35 to release the balls within said cage and allow them to roll down over the surface of the board 11.

As the balls roll down over the surface of the board 11, they come into contact with a plurality of pins 39 in staggered relation to each other and project-ing upwardly from the upper surface of the board 11.

As the balls move down over the surface of the board, they will come into contact with the pins 39 and be scattered in every direction, nally entering the pockets at the lower end of said board formed by the projecting pins 33.

Centrally disposed in each pocket is a metal plate 40 secured imposition by a headed screw 41 passing through the board 11 and having nuts 42 threaded to the lower end thereof.

Between the nuts 42 of each headed member 41 is clamped a wire 43 extending to a lamp 22. In the lamp box 16 there are disposed as many lamps 22 as there are ballreceiving pockets between the pins 33 at the lower end of the board 11.

From the switch 17 extend wires 44 to any suitable source of electricity so that when a ball enters a pocket between the pins 33, the contact of this metal ball between the bar 26 and the member 40 will make an electric connection which will light one of the lamps 22. It is self-evident that each headed member 41 is connected to a different lamp in the lamp box 16 so that when a ball enters any particular pocket, the lamp corresponding' to that box will be illuminated and indicate which pocket was entered by a ball.

The front end of the lamp box 16 has in its opposite ends vertical grooves 45 to receive a score chart 46. Each score chart is preferably made of translucent material mounted 1n a frame 47 preferably of metal, which may be easily inserted into the grooves 45, and removed therefrom to be replaced by other score charts 46, according to the particularl game it is desired to play.

Each score chart 46 has a plurality of numbers or other characters thereon, which in some cases may be of different colors to designate different suits, corresponding to those of a pack of playing cards. For instance, in Figure 1, the line of characters 48 in the score chart 46 would be in black corresponding to spades, the lne of characters 49 being in red to represent hearts, while the lines of characters 50 and 51 might `be in other colors to respectively indicate diamonds and clubs.

A great variety of charts may be provided for the purpose of playing different forms of games, either one of which charts may be quickly inserted into the score box to play one game and as readily removed therefrom and another one substituted therefor when it is desired to play some other form of game. Any number of balls may be used and retained in the cage 36 until it is desired to release them.

Preferably the cage is made in the form of a triangle as indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawin s. i

The alls may be released therefrom in any desired manner but Vpreferably the cord 38 extends over a pulley (not shown) and the opposite end is in a position to be grasped by the player who pulls on the cord and lifts the forward end of the cage 36 when it is desired to release the balls.

In cases where a score chart similar to that shown in Fig. .1 is used, a game simulating poker mayzbe played, using live balls 34 in the cage 36. Vhere a score chart similar to that shown in Fig. 7 is used, a greater or less number of balls may be used according lto the particular style of game it is desired to play. I

lrVhen the balls enter the various pockets, electric contacts will be made in each pocket and the score made by the player' will be indicated by the illuminated figures on other characters in front of the pigeon holes 21 containing' the lamps 22.

When it is desired to use the board no longer, the lamp box 4may be folded over with its front face in fiiftintact with the side walls 12, thus protecting the lamps from injury.

To the under face of the cleat 31 is secured one side of a flexible member 52, the opposite side of which is secured to the lower edge of the gate 27 this gate 27 being provided with a handle 53 by which it may be moved about the axis of the hinge pins 54 in the hinges 28. These hinge. pins 54 are provided with heads by which they may be readily removed when it is desired to disconnect the gate 27 from the board 11 in order to secure access to the electric connections in the compartment 14 beneath the board 11. To facilitate access to this corn` partment when it is desired to adjust the electrical connections, the thumb screws 32 may be removed, thus permitting the cleat 31 to be displaced from the hinged members 29, and thereby permitting these hnged members to bemoved about the axis of the pivot pins of the hinges 30. K

Normally the gate 27 is held in thel position indicated in the drawings by means of the springs 55 secured at opposite ends to the gate 27 and the members 2K9.

lVhen the score made by a player has been registered, the player grasps the handle 53 and mores the gate about the hinge pivots 54, v thereby permitting the balls to pass downwardly between the gate and the lower end of the board ll into kthe flexible compartment 52. This compartment 52 has a discharge opening 56 centrally disposed therein through which the balls are perinitted to pass into the hand 'of the player, who replaces them in the cage 3G preparatory to the furth'er playing of the game.

This makes a very simple form of game adapted to be used at fairs and similar places and with which a'great variety of different games may be played.

It is believed the operation and many advantages of the invention will be readily understood without further description.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1.,The combination of an inclined board; a "plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a pluralityY of pockets at the lower end of said board; a ball cage normally resting upon the. upper end of said board and retaining a ball in position thereon; means for releasing the ball from said cage; an electric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets adapted to-'be con nected by a ball entering a pocket; and

means in said circuit positioned at the 11pper end of the'board for designating the particular pockets at the lower end of the board entered by the released ball.

2. The combination of an inclined board: a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a` plurality of pockets at the lower end` of said board; a bottoniless ball cage normally resting upon the upper end of said board and retaining a ball in position thereon; means for releasing the ball from said cage; anelectric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets adapted to be connected by 'a ball entering a pocket; and illuminated' means in said circuit and positioned at the upper end of the board for designating the pockets entered by the released ball.

3. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of and above said board; a bottomless ball cage pivoted to and normally resting upon the upper end of said board, thereby retaining a ball on the upper face of said board; means for moving said cage about its pivot to release the ball therefrom; an electric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets; and means in said circuit positioned at the upper end of the board for designating the pockets entered by the released ball.

4. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of said board; a ball cage normally resting upon the upper end of said board and retaining the balls within said cage on the surface of said board; means for releasing tlie balls' from said cage; an electric circuit having separated contacts insaid pockets adapted to be connected by a' ball entering `a pocket; means in said circuitpositioned at the upper end of the board for designating the pockets entered by the released balls; and means at the lower ends vof said pockets adapted to be moved to release the balls from said pockets.

5. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; aplurality of pockets at the' lower end of said board; a ball cage at the upper end of said board and normally retaining the balls within said cage on the surface of the board; means for releasing the balls from said cage; an electric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets adapted to be connected by a ball entering a pocket; means in said circuit positioned' at the upper end of the'board for designating the pockets entered by the released balls; a Aflexible compartment suspended fromthe lower end of the board beneath said pockets; and a gate at the lower end of said board forming end walls for said vpockets and hinged at its upper edge, said gate being adapted to be opened to permit the balls in the pockets to be collected in said compartment.

6. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of said board; a ball cage at the upper end of said boardand normally retaining a plurality of balls on the surface of said board; means for releasing the balls from said cage; an electric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets adapted to be connected by a ball entering a pocket; means in said circuit positioned at the upper end of the board for designating the pockets entered by the released ball; a. ilexible compartment suspended from the lower end'of said board beneath said pockets and provided with a central' discharge passage for the balls; and a gate at the lower end of said board forming end walls for said pockets and hinged at the Lipper edge; said board being adapted to be opened to permit the balls in the pockets to be collected in said compartment and discharged therefrom.

7. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting up- Wardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of said board; a triangular ball cage resting upon the upper end of said board; means for releasing the balls from said cage; an electric circuit having separated contacts in said pockets adapted to be connected by a ball entering a pocket; means in said circuit positioned at the upper end of the board for designating the pockets en- I tered by the released balls; a gate at the lower end of the board hinged thereto at the top; and aV exible ball receiving compartment secured at its edges to the bottoms of said board and gate.

- 8. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of said board; a ball cage at the upper end of said board; means for releasing the balls from .said cage; an electric circuit; means in said circuit positioned at the upper end of thev board for designating the pockets entered by the released ball; a bottom plate beneath said board extending nearly to the lower end of said board; side walls to said board; the lower ends of which are alined with the lower edge of said bottom plate; members hinged to said side walls and forming continuations thereof; a removable bottom clcat secured to the lower edges of said hinged members; electric contacts in said circuit positioned in said pockets; and wire connections forming part of said circuit extending from said contacts through the space between said board'and bottom plate to said designating means.

9. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a lurality of pockets at the lower end of sai board; a cage at the upper end of said board adapted to contain metal balls; means for releasing the balls from said cage; a box at the upper end of the board provided with a plurality of pigeon holes; a lamp in each pigeon hole; a translucent score chart in front of said box having a pluralit of characters thereon; a metal bar extent ing transversely of `said board at the lower ends of said pockets and connected to an electric switch; an electricJ contact in the bottom of each pocket; a wire connecting each contact with one of said lamps; and electric connections between said lamps and switch.

10. The combination of an inclined board; a plurality of staggered pins projecting upwardly therefrom; a plurality of pockets at the lower end of said board; a cage at the upper end of said board adapted to contain metal balls; means for releasing the balls from said cage; a box hinged at the upper endl of the board provided with a plurality of pigeon holes; a amp in each pigeon hole; a translucent score chart in frontof said box having ar plurality of characters thereon; a metal bar extending transversely of said b oard at the lower ends of said pockets and connected to an electric switch; an electric contact in the bottom of each pocket; a wire connecting each contact with a lamp; and electric connections between said lamps and switch.

11. The combination of an inclined board having a plurality of pockets in the lower end thereof adapted to receive metal balls rolled over the surface of said board; a metal bar at the lower end of said board extending across all of said pockets; an electric contact in each pocket; a lamp box at the upper end of said board; a lamp therein connected to each electric contact; a switch; electric connections from said switch to said bar and lamps; and a ball cage normally resting upon the surface of said board near its upper end and adapted to be moved to release said balls. i

l2. The combination of an inclined board, havin a plurality of pockets in the lower end tiie-reof adapted to receive metal balls rolled over the surface of said board; a metal bar at the lower end of said board extending across all of said pockets an electric contact in each pocket; a lamp box ajtg'gthe upper end of said board; a lamp thereiiiiconnected to each electric contact; a switch; a translucent score chart on saidbox provided with a plurality of characters in front of said lamps; electric connections from said switch to said bar and lamps; a ball cage; and means for releasing the balls from said cage.

Signed by me at 746 Old South Bldg;

Boston, Mass., this 25th day of April, 1922. 4 .i

JAMES F. MURPHY. Witnesses:-

WALTER E. LOMBARD, NATHAN C. LOMBARD. 

